[Fulminant myocarditis causing severe left heart failure and massive thrombus formation following cardiac tamponade:...

A woman aged middle thirties presented with common cold-like symptoms, and was hospitalized due to hypotension and tachycardia. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion and preserved left ventricular fractional shortening (28%). Cardiac index, pulmonary capillary wedge and right atrial pressure were 1.8 l/min/m2, 15 and 13 mmHg, respectively. After drainage of pericardial effusion, cardiac index increased to 3.4 l/min/m2. On the fifth hospital day, left ventricular dysfunction developed (fractional shortening: 16%, cardiac index: 1.5 l/min/m2, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure: 18 mmHg, right atrial pressure: 12 mmHg), so percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was introduced. However, the heart failed in asystole and the cavity was occupied by massive thrombus, probably related to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. This case of fulminant myocarditis passed through various clinical features of heart failure. She died on the 12th hospital day.